Missing person now a homicide

Missing person now a homicide

Thursday, 4 August 2011 - 10:02am

National News

Police are treating the disappearance of a Hastings man as a homicide.

Public appeals for information were made last week in relation to Johnny Charles Wright, 50, who lived in the suburb of Mayfair. Mr Wright had not been seen since early June and his lack of contact with family and friends was deemed out of character.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave de Lange of Hastings CIB said police had examined two houses in the suburb of Mayfair where Mr Wright was known to live. Property at those houses that belonged to Mr Wright was also found.

Mr de Lange said the examination of the houses indicated that some form of violence may have occurred there some time in the past. Some samples were taken from the house and police were now waiting for forensic results to establish if there was any connection to Mr Wright or his disappearance.

"These factors certainly indicate Mr Wright hasn't moved on to another address or town and are of real concern. We are treating this investigation as a homicide as there is simply no other explanation for his disappearance", he said.

Mr Wright is a 50-year-old Caucasian with collar-length fair hair. He often wore a maroon Queensland State of Origin rugby jersey. He appears to have had no access to income for almost two months.

15 police staff are working on the investigation

Police have spoken to family members, neighbours and other people Mr Wright had contact with on a regular basis to establish his last known movements.

"We would certainly appreciate any other information people may have regarding Mr Wright. Someone may know something about his disappearance or where he is and we urgently need to get that information," Mr de Lange said.

Anyone with information about Mr Wright should contact the Hastings police on 06 873 0500 or information can be left anonymously on Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.